Africa is best known for its diverse culture of eclectic music sounds, authentic cuisine, and unique fashion pieces from all over the continent. It has also been home to a number of women who have made names for themselves in the fashion industry.
Depending on the location, different parts of Africa have different styles of dress for their inhabitants. Egypt's fashion is heavily influenced by Middle Eastern culture, while people in Southern Africa rely on distinctive shirts native to their land. The country of South Africa, for example, is known for the Madiba shirt, which is a silk shirt Nelson Mandela popularized during his time as a politician.
Many African models have made their way into mainstream success by modelling for different outlets such as Victoria's Secret, Ralph Lauren, and Dolce & Gabbana. Some of them have also changed the way we perceive beauty.
We put together some of these top ten attractive ladies as they've graced us with their presence through print advertisements and television spots as well as runway looks. Let the countdown begin...
Image courtesy of Jennifer Graylock/INFphoto.com
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10. Fatima Siad
Fatima Siad is a Somali-Ethiopian fashion model best known for placing third on America's Next Top Model, Cycle 10.
After a rough upbringing in Somalia, Siad and her mother relocated to the United States, where she grew up in Boston. She studied pre-med and political science between New York University and Bryn Mawr College.
Her print work includes advertisements for Marie Claire, CosmoGirl, and the Spring 2012 Herve Leger campaign by Max Azria. She also walked the runway during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in the Spring/Summer 2009. During her time on America's Next Top Model, she was criticized for not being able to take direction from anyone. Her strong portfolio helped her place third in the competition.
Image courtesy of Roger Wong/INFphoto
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9. Agbani Darego
Agbani Darego is a Nigerian model, best known for being the first Sub-Saharan native to win the title of Miss World.
Like Siad, Darego had a rough upbringing as a child. When she was ten, she was sent away to boarding school to shield her from seeing her mother suffer with breast cancer. Since her passing, Darego has spoken out on the impact of her loss affecting her future.
She was crowned Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria in 2001. That same year, she won the title of Miss World, making her the first African native to do so. She also did magazine work for Cosmopolitan, Essence, and Allure magazine. Darego also appeared in advertising campaigns for Gentle Touch, a hair care brand in Nigeria.
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8. Ataui Deng
Ataui Deng is a Sudanese American model, who is also the niece of model Alek Wek.
After escaping to the United States because of the Sudanese War, Deng moved to New York and signed a contract with Trump modelling agency. She made her runway debut in 2008 for the spring Jeremy Laing and Zac Posen shows. Deng also appeared in Teen Vogue a number of times. She became known for her fall on the runway during the Z Spoke show for Zac Posen.
Image courtesy of Roger Wong/INFphoto.com
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7. Candice Swanepoel
Candice Swanepoel is a South African model best known for being featured in campaigns for Victoria's Secret.
Swanepoel has been featured in a number of magazines including Vogue, Elle, and Harper's Bazaar. She has walked the runway for Tommy Hilfiger, Oscar de la Renta, and Rag & Bone. Recently, she was featured on the 2014 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show with Lily Aldridge and Behati Prinsloo. She's been a Victoria's Secret Angel since 2010.
Image courtesy of INFphoto.com
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6. Alek Wek
Alek Wek is a South Sudanese British model best known for her influence in the fashion industry by not conforming to the ideal perception of beauty.
Wek was born in South Sudan but moved to London at 14 to study fashion business and technology. In 1995, she was discovered outside a market by a Models 1 scout. She appeared in a music video for Tina Turner before modelling for Ford Models.
She modeled for Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, and Christian Dior. She was also a guest judge on America's Next Top Model and The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency. She also has a handbag line known as "Wek 1933."
Image courtesy of INFphoto.com
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5. Liya Kedebe
Liya Kedebe is an Ethiopian model, actress, clothing designer, and advocate for maternal health.
Kedebe was born in Addis Ababa where she was discovered by a film director. Her big break arrived when Tom Ford asked her to be part of his Gucci Fall/Winter 2000 fashion show. As a result, her popularity soared to campaigns for Victoria's Secret, Dolce & Gabbana, and Louis Vuitton. Recently, she appeared in Lacoste's new look campaign under the concept, "Unconventional Chic."
She also appeared in films including Black Gold and The Best Offer.
Image courtesy of ACE/INFphoto.com
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4. Tanit Phoenix
Tanit Phoenix is a South African model and actress known for modelling lingerie and swimwear in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
She began her career by appearing in international advertisements for Coca-Cola, Visine, and Adidas. Phoenix was featured on the South African cover of Cosmopolitan magazine four times. In 2011, she won the title of "IGN's Sexiest Woman of the Year."
In film, she's appeared in Lost Boys: The Thirst, Spud, and Safe House.
Image courtesy of INFphoto.com
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3. Gelila Bekele
Gelila Bekele is an Ethiopian model and social activist.
Bekele has a contract with Ford Models and appeared in campaigns for Colgate, Pantene, and Levi's jeans. She was also featured Lucky, Essence, and Allure fashion magazines.
She is also known for her work with philanthropies including Charity: Water and A Glimmer of Hope.
She's been in a relationship with Tyler Perry since 2009. The couple have a son.
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2. Behati Prinsloo
Behati Prinsloo is a Nambian model best known for her campaigns with Victoria's Secret.
At age 16, Prinsloo was discovered by agent Sarah Doukas in Cape Town while on vacation. She walked the runway for Chanel, Lacoste, and MaxMara. She's been a Victoria's Secret Angel since 2009 and participated in the fashion show every year since then. Recently, she was the face of the Pepe Jeans campaign for Spring/Summer 2014.
She's also appeared in music videos for The Virgins and Maroon 5. She appeared as herself on an episode of Hawaii Five-O. She is married to Adam Levine, lead singer of Maroon 5.
Image courtesy of Roger Wong/INFphoto.com
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1. Iman
Iman Mohamed Abdulmajid is a Somali model, entrepreneur, and actress. She is known for being a pioneer in ethnic cosmetics.
While attending the University of Nairobi, she was discovered by Peter Beard. She moved to the United States to model for Vogue in 1976. She garnered a number of magazine covers, giving her supermodel status. She's worked with Gianna Versace, Issy Miyake, and Calvin Klein.
In 1994, she went into business for herself, marketing cosmetics for women who needed difficult-to-find shades for their ethnicity. Under the name Iman Cosmetics, the company is a $25-million-a-year business. She also has a clothing line entitled Global Chic.
She hosted Project Runway Canada for two years and the second season of The Fashion Show.
Iman has been married to David Bowie since 1992. They have a daughter named Alexandria Zahra Jones together.
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